Livestock – Depreciate? Inventory? Sell?

The following is a summary for tax professionals to use when assisting for-profit farmers with the decision of whether to depreciate or inventory livestock, methods available for each, and how to treat a sale.

Comment

By Amanda HensleyStaff Accountant – Tax Services, LBMC

LA Junta Tribune - La Junta, CO

By Amanda HensleyStaff Accountant – Tax Services, LBMC

Posted Feb. 8, 2013 at 1:00 PM

By Amanda HensleyStaff Accountant – Tax Services, LBMC

Posted Feb. 8, 2013 at 1:00 PM

The following is a summary for tax professionals to use when assisting for-profit farmers with the decision of whether to depreciate or inventory livestock, methods available for each, and how to treat a sale.

Depreciate vs. inventory

Livestock held primarily for sale by for-profit farmers must be included in inventory. However, livestock held for draft, breeding, or dairy purposes can either be included in inventory or depreciated as the farmer chooses. Both options have advantages and disadvantages so the decision is ultimately based on whether farmers prefer a current benefit or future benefit. If farmers choose to depreciate the livestock, they will receive a current depreciation deduction. However, this will decrease the farmer’s basis in the livestock and therefore increase any gain when the livestock is sold. Also, any future gain on a sale up to the amount of depreciation taken will be taxed at ordinary rates (Table 1). If, on the other hand, farmers choose to inventory the livestock, they will forego the current depreciation deduction but any future capital gain will be taxed at the lower and more preferable capital gain rates (Table 2). Farmers should consider this decision and its impacts carefully because once a method is chosen it cannot be changed unless authorized by the Commissioner.

Depreciation methods

If farmers decide to depreciate their livestock, depreciation will begin when the livestock is mature (i.e., can be worked, milked, or bred). Most farm business assets are depreciated using the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) which consists of two depreciation systems: the General Depreciation System (GDS) and the Alternative Depreciation System (ADS). Generally, GDS must be used unless ADS is required by law or elected. The recovery period for cattle, goats, and sheep under the GDS method is five years while the recovery period for hogs is three years. These recovery periods remain the same under the ADS method except for cattle, which increases to a seven year recovery period. All livestock are considered to be tangible personal property and are therefore eligible for a depreciation deduction under Section 179. They are also considered qualified property for purposes of claiming the 50 percent bonus depreciation allowance if placed in service before Jan. 1, 2013. However, if the ADS method of depreciation is used, bonus depreciation allowance is not permitted.

It is important to note that farmers can deduct the costs of raising livestock during the years in which the animals are being raised. If these costs are deducted, the basis of the livestock is zero and therefore these costs cannot be depreciated.

Inventory methods

If a lower tax rate on a future capital gain is preferred by farmers, they should chose to inventory their livestock. There are two inventory methods available. The simplest method is called the “farm-price method." This method provides for the valuation of inventories at market price less direct cost of disposition. The other inventory method available is the “unit-livestock-price method.” To determine the valuation under this method, livestock are classified into groups with respect to age and kind. Then, a price for each class is established, taking into account the normal cost of raising those animals. Farmers using the unit-livestock-price method must reevaluate unit prices each year and adjust either upward or downward to reflect changes in the costs of raising livestock.

Page 2 of 2 - Treatment and calculation of gain on sale

Sales of livestock are reported on Form 4797. Calculation of the gain depends on whether the animals were raised by the farmer or purchased. The gain on livestock raised by the farmer is calculated as the difference between the selling expenses and the gross sales price, assuming the basis is zero because the costs of raising the livestock were deducted during the years in which the animal was being raised. The gain on livestock purchased by the farmer is calculated by subtracting the adjusted basis and selling expenses from the gross sales price.

Treatment of the gain depends on whether or not the property is qualified under Section 1231. As stated in Section 1231(b)(3), to qualify as property used in trade or business, livestock must be held by the taxpayer for draft, breeding, dairy, or sporting purposes for at least 12 months (24 for cattle). Any livestock which is held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business does not qualify.

If the Section 1231 holding period is not met, any gain or loss from the sale is reported on Part II of Form 4797, Ordinary Gains and Losses. If the holding period is met, the gain or loss is reported on Part I or Part III, depending on if there is recapture of depreciation.

There are many different methods available to account for livestock, and it is important that farmers be knowledgeable of their options. The decision of whether to depreciate or inventory their livestock must be made at the beginning of the farming operation and cannot be changed without permission of the Commissioner. These various options make it imperative that farmers utilize the tax planning services a tax professional can provide.